straightforward guidance and be able to focus on other things, like each other, which isn't rocket science. it's just common sense. from td ameritrade. stuart: we are getting some reports of quote optimism and significant progress in the fiscal cliff talks. let's bring in peter barnes who is close to these talks. what do you make of it, optimism? you're looking away from me. look me in the eyes there. [laughter] peter: getting all the e-mails all of a sudden now. we have got all this optimism, all this significant progress, progress aides close to the talks between vice president biden and republican leader mitch mcconnell say there is significant progress. some senior republican aide says progress but not done. republican senators express optimism. a senate democratic leader harry reid on his way into the building expressed optimism. stuart: but peter it is only optimism for this super narrow, narrow deal where there's simply a number thrown out there, 400,000 or 500,000 or 250,000 and above that level you pay more tax, below it you don't. that's all it is, isn't it? that's all. peter: ye